YORK rail company Jarvis was under growing pressure today after a maintenance work blunder caused an express train to derail outside one of the country's busiest stations.

The York-based engineering firm - already under fire over the Potters Bar rail crash - had been working in the area outside London's King's Cross station just before the incident, which caused major disruption.

The firm, which has headquarters in Toft Green, confirmed that work had not been properly completed.

Industry sources said the engineers had left a gap after working on a set of points.

The first train to pass over the points was the 7am GNER service to Glasgow. The driver spotted the gap and tried to stop. But the front two carriages of the train derailed as it left Platform 4 at 10mph. The carriages stayed upright and no one was hurt.

A spokeswoman for Jarvis said: "Investigations are still under way. However, it would appear that, after having undertaken lengthy overnight maintenance work, the Jarvis Rail maintenance team omitted to make the final disconnection on one of the points in question.

"Jarvis has informed Network Rail of its preliminary findings and is currently working with Network Rail to ensure swift restoration of normal services.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this incident."

Network Rail is investigating the circumstances. It said contractors were judged on "past performance" when the time came to renew contracts.

Jarvis Rail is being investigated following the Potters Bar rcrash, where seven people died in May 2002 after a train derailed at a set of points near the station.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "The preliminary findings will form a central part of the investigation, but other factors, such as communications, may well have played a part.

"The company expects all its remaining contractors to carry out professional work that helps to deliver a safe and reliable railway."

GNER was continuing to suffer some delays today as repair work continued. Passengers can call 08457 225 225 for details of services.

Updated: 10:53 Wednesday, September 17, 2003